Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 2 on 5/6/2002.

This article is 77 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

Great Scottish castles

Scotland has the most romantic landscapes, a feature heightened by some of Europe's finest castles. Here are 21 impressive examples

Edinburgh Castle Midlothian

Perched high above the capital, there has been a castle on a rock here for over 1,000 years. It was King Malcolm Canmore’s widow, Saint Margaret, who built the stone chapel here in the 11th century. Every occupant has made changes and additions culminating in today’s mix of military barracks, palace, fortress and war memorial. Visitors can inspect the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as The Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg, the great cannon employed at the siege of Norham in the 15th century, and the Stone of Destiny. The Scottish United Services Museum is housed here. One of the castle’s best-known features is the one o’clock gun fired from the ramparts every weekday.
Details: April to September 0930 to 1800. October to March 0930 to 1700. For further information and admission charges call +44 (0) 131 225 9846.

Stirling Castle Stirlingshire

Overlooking two of Scotland’s most historic battlefields, Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, the Royal Castle of Stirling has been at the centre of the nation’s history since it was built. The Great Hall has been recently refurbished to reflect its appearance at the end of the Middle Ages, the early Renaissance splendours, carved wooden roundels and Chapel Royal built for the baptism of Prince Henry in 1594. A major exhibition is taking place to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Treaty of Perpetual Peace. The treaty was the seal of peace between England and Scotland that culminated with the marriage of Jam.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Scotland Magazine to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Charles Douglas

Section : Scottish Castles

Page number : 76